DE102015001813A1 - Lock arrangement and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure arrangement for closing and releasing a filler neck (2) of a fuel tank (1) of a vehicle with - a cover (3) and - a connecting element (5) which is connected to a first end with the cover (3) and with The cover element (3) has a pressure limiting or pressure relief valve (4), by means of which a fluid flow (S) emanating from the fuel tank (1) is directed in the direction of an outer side facing away from the filler neck (2) ( 3.1) of the cover (3) is releasable when a pressure of the fluid flow (S) exceeds a predetermined limit, characterized in that the connecting element (5) with the second end to the pressure limiting or pressure relief valve (4) is fixed.

Description

The invention relates to a closure arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a closure arrangement.

From the DE 10 2005 012 572 A1 a fuel cap is known for closing the filler neck of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle and a device comprising the tank cap and a locking device. On the inside of the cover of the tank cap, a profile closure is attached, which closes the filler neck in the closed position of the cover. The profile closure furthermore has at least one ventilation channel, wherein at least one self-opening valve is arranged in the at least one ventilation channel. An input end of the at least one venting channel is located in the closed position of the cover within the filler neck. The exit end is located in the region of the profile closure adjoining the cover.

The invention is based on the object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved closure assembly and an improved over the prior art vehicle.

With regard to the closure assembly, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features specified in claim 1 and with respect to the vehicle with the features specified in claim 10.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

There is provided a closure assembly for closing and releasing a filler neck of a fuel tank of a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a cover member and a connector, wherein the connector is connected at a first end to the cover member and at an opposite second end to the vehicle. The cover has a Druckbegrenzungs- or pressure relief valve, by means of which an outgoing fluid from the fuel tank in the direction of the filler neck facing away from the outside of the cover is releasable when a pressure of the fluid flow a predetermined limit, for. B. exceeds a certain overpressure. According to the invention it is provided that the connecting element is fixed to the second end of the pressure relief or pressure relief valve.

By means of the closure arrangement formed in this way, the pressure limiting or pressure relief valve is protected against unintentional loss. This ensures a long-term protective function of the cover element. The protective function of the cover includes in particular the protection of the filler neck from penetrating water and contamination and preventing a pulse-like lifting of the cover at an overpressure. An overpressure can occur, for example, in the case of a leakage of the fuel tank, if this is designed as a hydrogen tank and gaseous hydrogen emerges. This also applies to fuel tanks for gaseous media other than hydrogen. The vehicle in this case is a fuel cell powered vehicle or a vehicle having a hydrogen combustion engine or an internal combustion engine for the other gaseous media.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 2 is a schematic sectional view of a section of a vehicle with a fuel tank, a filler neck and a cover element;

2 schematically a sectional view of an enlarged section of the cover according to 1 with a piston in a first position and

3 schematically a sectional view of the piston in a second position.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 schematically shows a section of a vehicle not shown in detail with a fuel tank 1 , a filler neck 2 and a cover member 3 in section.

The vehicle is, for example, a vehicle powered by fuel cells. Alternatively, the vehicle is configured as a hybrid vehicle or as a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. In the following, however, reference will only be made to a vehicle which uses hydrogen or another gas as fuel for operating a drive unit. In this case, the vehicle is either a vehicle powered by fuel cells or a vehicle with a hydrogen combustion engine or an internal combustion engine for the other gas.

The fuel tank 1 is only partially shown in the present embodiment, wherein this is designed as a fuel tank for receiving hydrogen as a fuel. The hydrogen is in gaseous state with a predetermined pressure in a housing of the fuel tank 1 arranged. The housing is formed for example of steel, aluminum or plastic and optionally surrounded to increase mechanical stability with a carbon fiber material.

For filling the fuel tank 1 is in a filling area of the filler neck 2 arranged. The filler neck 2 is funnel-shaped, with one in the direction of the fuel tank 1 running inside diameter of the filler neck 2 is formed such that during a filling of the fuel tank 1 occurring Verwirbelungseffekt and a resulting mixing effect of the fuel is optimized as possible. The inner diameter forms an inflow channel 2.1 for the fuel when filling the fuel tank 1 , The filler neck 2 may additionally be provided with an inlet nozzle, not shown here, by means of which an effective introduction of the fuel into an interior of the fuel tank 1 is ensured.

The filler neck 2 is for protection from an external vehicle environment A of a cover 3 closable. The cover element 3 is designed as a kind of fuel cap, which is detachably connected to the vehicle, in particular to a body of the vehicle.

The cover element 3 indicates an outer vehicle environment A facing outside 3.1 and a filler neck 2 facing inside 3.2 on.

The cover element 3 is for example radial sealing on the filler neck 2 screwed, which is not shown in the present embodiment. The cover element 3 is alternatively also pivotally mounted on the body, wherein the cover 3 when closed, the filler neck 2 closes and in the open, in particular unfolded state the filler neck 2 releases.

In addition, the cover 3 comprise a magnet, not shown here, which is intended to activate via a arranged on a communication unit switching contact a so-called tank control unit, which by means of a number of sensors a level in the fuel tank 1 evaluates.

In the present embodiment, the cover member 3 furthermore a passage opening 3.3 on, in which a piston 4.1 is arranged axially movable. The axially movable piston 4.1 forms together with the passage opening 3.3 of the cover 3 a pressure relief or pressure relief valve 4 , which is intended to vent one of the cover 3 sealed area in which the filler neck 2 is arranged to ensure.

On the piston 4.1 is an end of a connecting element according to the invention 5 fixed, which is attached to the other end of the body. The connecting element 5 is thus as a captive for the cover 3 trained and z. B. band-shaped or cable-shaped, wherein the connecting element 5 in a very simple way on the piston 4.1 can be fixed. For fixing is the connecting element 5 each on the body and on the piston 4.1 arranged material and / or positive and / or non-positive.

Because of that, the piston 4.1 with the connecting element 5 even in an open state of the cover 3 remains connected to the body, is the cover 3 protected against accidental loss. Thus, a protective function of the cover remains 3 receive. The protective function of the cover element 3 as well as a training and function of the piston 4.1 be in the following 2 and 3 described in more detail.

The 2 and 3 each show an enlarged section of the cover 3 according to 1 with the piston 4.1 in section, where 2 the piston 4.1 in a first position P1 and 3 the piston 4.1 in a second position P2 shows.

The piston 4 includes three sections 4.1.1 to 4.1.3 , where a first section 4.1.1 and a second section 4.1.2 in each case an end face of the piston 4.1 form, extending in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the piston 4.1 are arranged opposite one another. Here is the first section 4.1.1 the outer vehicle environment A facing and the second section 4.1.2 that the filler neck 2 facing front end of the piston 4.1 ,

Between the first section 4.1.1 and the second section 4.1.2 is a third section 4.1.3 arranged, by means of which the piston 4.1 axially movable in the passage opening 3.3 is arranged. This is a diameter of the third section 4.1.3 much smaller than a diameter of the through hole 3.3 wherein a respective diameter of the first section 4.1.1 and the second section 4.1.2 is greater than one Diameter of the third section 4.1.3 , The diameter of the first section 4.1.1 is in addition larger than a diameter of the passage opening 3.3 where the diameter of the second section 4.1.2 in the present embodiment, with the diameter of the passage opening 3.3 such that it is radially sealed when the second section 4.1.2 in the passage opening 3.3 located.

Furthermore, the piston 4.1 with a spring element 6 coupled, which is formed in the present embodiment as a coil spring. The spring element 6 is at one end at a third section 4.1.3 facing side of the first section 4.1.1 and with the other end on the inside 3.2 of the cover 3 fixed. The spring element 6 is provided, the piston 4.1 against the inside 3.2 of the cover 3 to bias when it moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, in particular in the direction of the outer vehicle environment A, as it 3 exemplifies.

In the in 2 shown first position P1 is the cover 3 in a closed state. The passage opening 3.3 is through the second section 4.1.2 closed, with the passage opening 3.3 radially sealed and thereby in particular closed fluid-tight. This is easily possible if at least the second section 4.1.2 made of an elastic material, for. As rubber, is formed or an elastic material, for. B in the form of a sealing ring comprises.

Both the second section 4.1.2 as well as the third section 4.1.3 are in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the piston 4.1 partially from the passage opening 3.3 surrounded, wherein the sections in the through hole 3.3 arranged area of the second section 4.1.2 on an inner wall of the passage opening 3.3 positively abuts and the sections in the through hole 3.3 arranged area of the third section 4.1.2 at a predetermined distance radially from the passage opening 3.3 is surrounded. The first paragraph 4.1.1 is axially spaced from the passage opening 3.3 arranged.

Furthermore, in the first position P1, the spring element 6 in a relaxed state, leaving the piston 4.1 is not biased.

The first position P1 thus describes a position in which the filler neck 2 from the cover 3 closed and the pressure relief or pressure relief valve 4 closed is.

In case of an unwanted escape of hydrogen from the fuel tank 1 in the direction of the filler neck 2 what for example in case of leakage of the fuel tank 1 This may be the case arises with a closed cover 3 without a pressure relief or pressure relief valve 4 an overpressure, which can lead to the cover 3 impulsively in the direction of the external vehicle environment A stands out, and this is particularly a risk of injury to a person, if this is the cover 3 opens. The pressure limiting or pressure relief valve shown here 4 is thus a pressure relief valve, by means of which an overpressure in the cover 3 closed area is regulated.

An overpressure is in 2 represented by the fluid flow S, which is a pressure on the piston 4.1 in the direction of the external vehicle environment A exerts. The piston 4.1 gives due to the opposite to the passage opening 3.3 reduced diameter and is moved towards the vehicle exterior environment A, when a pressing force of the fluid flow S is large enough to a spring force of the spring element 6 and a weight force of the piston coupled thereto 4.1 to overcome.

As a result, the second section moves 4.1.2 of the piston 4.1 from the passage opening 3.3 out, due to the opposite to the passage opening 3.3 reduced diameter of the third section 4.1.3 and the reduced but still existing axial spacing of the first section 4.1.1 to the passage opening 3.3 a vent channel is formed, from which the fluid flow S can flow out, as it 3 exemplifies.

The piston 4.1 is in front of a complete sliding out of the passage opening 3.3 in the direction of the outer vehicle environment A by means of the opposite to the passage opening 3.3 enlarged diameter of the first section 4.1.1 protected. Furthermore, the piston 4.1 in the second position P2 against the inside 3.2 of the cover 3 pretensioned, since the spring element 6 by the movement of the piston 4.1 is compressed in the direction of the outer vehicle environment A and thus tense. Does the pressure of the fluid flow S decreases so that this is the spring force of the spring element 6 and weight of the piston 4.1 can not overcome, so will the piston 4.1 moved back to the first position P1 and the filler neck 2 is closed and thus protected from external influences.

Alternatively to the spring element shown 6 Other elastic elements can be used which are automatic Return movement of the piston 4.1 to the first position P1. Also conceivable is the automatic return movement of the piston 4.1 in the first position P1 exclusively by an elastically formed piston 4.1 to effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Fuel tank

2

Einfüllstutze

2.1

inflow

3

cover

3.1

outside

3.2

inside

3.3

Through opening

4

Pressure relief or pressure relief valve

4.1

piston

4.1.1

first section

4.1.2

second part

4.1.3

third section

5

connecting element

6

spring element

A

exterior vehicle environment

P1

position

P2

position

S

fluid flow

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005012572 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Closure arrangement for closing and releasing a filler neck ( 2 ) of a fuel tank ( 1 ) of a vehicle with - a cover element ( 3 ) and - a connecting element ( 5 ), which with a first end with the cover ( 3 ) and connectable to the vehicle with an opposite second end, wherein the cover element ( 3 ) a pressure relief or pressure relief valve ( 4 ), by means of which one of the fuel tank ( 1 ) outgoing fluid flow (S) in the direction of the filler neck ( 2 ) facing away from outside ( 3.1 ) of the cover element ( 3 ) is releasable when a pressure of the fluid flow (S) exceeds a predetermined limit, characterized in that the connecting element ( 5 ) with the second end to the pressure relief or pressure relief valve ( 4 ) is fixed. Closure arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element ( 5 ) as a captive for the cover ( 3 ) is formed, by means of which the cover ( 3 ) is connectable to the vehicle. A closure arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure relief or pressure relief valve ( 4 ) a bidirectionally movable piston ( 4.1 ) which is substantially parallel to one of the filler neck ( 2 ) for filling the fuel tank ( 1 ) predetermined inflow channel ( 2.1 ) is movable. Closure arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the piston ( 4.1 ) three sections ( 4.1.1 to 4.1.3 ), wherein - a first section ( 4.1.1 ) and a second section ( 4.1.2 ) two in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the piston ( 4.1 ) form opposite end faces, - between the first section ( 4.1.1 ) and the second section ( 4.1.2 ) a third section ( 4.1.3 ), and - a respective diameter of the first section ( 4.1.1 ) and the second section ( 4.1.2 ) is greater than a diameter of the third section ( 4.1.3 ). Closure arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the third section ( 4.1.3 ) in one in the cover element ( 3 ) introduced through opening ( 3.3 ) is arranged axially movable. Closure arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a diameter of the passage opening ( 3.3 ) is greater than a diameter of the third section ( 4.1.3 ), between the passage opening ( 3.3 ) and the third section ( 4.1.3 ) is formed a vent passage for releasing the fluid flow (S) in an external vehicle environment (A). Closure arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the diameter of at least the first section ( 4.1.1 ) is greater than the diameter of the passage opening ( 3.3 ), the first section ( 4.1.1 ) an inside ( 3.2 ) of the cover element ( 3 ) facing end face forms. Closure arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the piston ( 4.1 ) with a spring element ( 6 ) which couples the piston ( 4.1 ) against the inside ( 3.2 ) of the cover element ( 3 ) when the piston ( 4.1 ) is moved in the direction of the external vehicle environment (A). Closure arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the piston ( 4.1 ) comprises a resilient material. A vehicle comprising a closure assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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